Philip Wu

Organic Imagery


– Imagery involving an internal sensation (hunger, thirst, fatigue, etc)

Frost example from Storm Fear: “My heart owns a doubt, It costs no inward struggle not to go”

This example uses “doubt” as the organic imagery. As imagery, “doubt” is meant to convey a sense of primal fear, suggested from the word “heart” beforehand.

Shakespeare example from Hamlet: “These words like daggers enter in my ears”

This example, spoken by the Queen, describes her state of shock. The metaphorical description of her feeling/realization reveals the harshness and surprise of the accusations Hamlet has put forth.

Kinesthetic Imagery


– Imagery involving movement or tension

Frost example from Ghost House: “the black bats tumble and dart”

This example uses “tumble and dart” as kinesthetic imagery. The words used show movement, and more specifically suggest a random, uncoordinated movement (from tumble).

Shakespeare example from Hamlet: “You jig and amble”

This example uses “jig and amble” as kinesthetic imagery. Spoken by Hamlet to Ophelia, the words suggest a lazy, relaxed, and uncoordinated walk. In this particular dialog in the play, Hamlet is cursing and denouncing Ophelia.